October 03, (THEWILL) – Lionel Messi brought his trophy collection to a record-breaking 46th achievement on Wednesday evening, leading Inter Miami to the Major League Soccer regular season championship.
The Argentine superstar delivered two remarkable goals during a crucial 3-2 victory against Columbus Crew, cementing Miami’s position at the summit of the league table.
The triumph marks a remarkable transformation for Inter Miami, who have established a commanding 10-point lead that neither Columbus Crew, FC Cincinnati, nor LA Galaxy can overcome in the remaining fortnight of matches. This achievement grants Miami the Supporters’ Shield trophy and guarantees home advantage throughout the upcoming playoff campaign.
Miami’s success stems from their exceptional performance both with and without their talismanic captain. Statistical analysis reveals the team averaged 2.13 points per match during Messi’s absences, compared to 2.11 points when he featured. Despite missing multiple fixtures due to international commitments and injury concerns, the team maintained consistent form throughout the season.
The decisive match against Columbus exemplified Miami’s competitive spirit, featuring goals from both Messi and Luis Suarez. The encounter reached its climax when goalkeeper Drake Callender preserved the victory with a crucial penalty save in the 83rd minute, despite intense pressure from the opposition in the closing stages.
The acquisition of additional talent, including Federico Redondo, Diego Gómez, and Tomás Avilés, has created a balanced squad capable of competing at the highest level. This blend of experienced international players and emerging talents has established Inter Miami as genuine contenders for further honours in the upcoming playoff competition.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
